Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Comedian Ken Dodd will be back on stage next month after undergoing hernia surgery, his agent said yesterday.
Robert Holmes said the operation at the Royal Liverpool Hospital had gone well and there had been no complications.
"I've just spoken to Ken and he's fine," said Mr Holmes.
"He's had to postpone a couple of concerts but he'll be back on stage next month," he added.
Dodd, 80, went into hospital yesterday morning, just hours after a sell-out performance at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall.
The star, who was awarded the OBE in 1982, is well-known for his marathon stand-up shows which often over-run into the early hours.
Sunday's performance ran from 7.30pm until well after midnight, said journalist and friend Peter Grant.
Mr Grant, who was in the Philharmonic audience, told the Liverpool Daily Post: "He was brilliant, absolutely the best form I've seen him in for a couple of years, although he was coughing a little bit.
"He did more stand-up in that show than ever and must have been on stage for at least three hours."
A spokeswoman for the Royal Liverpool said: "I've just spoken to him and he told me to say he expects to be home in a couple of days."
Two postponed shows were due to take place this week in St Helens and Birkenhead.
They will be rescheduled and people who cannot make it on the new dates will have their money refunded.
Mr Holmes said the performer had no other shows schedule for January.
Dodd launched his showbiz career in 1954 at the Nottingham Playhouse and his 1965 release Tears sold more than two million copies, remaining one of the UK's biggest selling singles of all time.
In 1989 Dodd, who still lives in his childhood home in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, was acquitted of tax evasion by a jury at Liverpool crown court.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments